This is a wonderful book filled to the brim with adventure and friendship set in the historical period of World War Two with elements of folklore that compliment each so well.
The story starts in December 1940, where Col is awaiting the arrival of his sister Rose from London so they can spend Christmas together, their first without their dad. But instead of Rose being there, it's a letter explaining that she can't come, she is needed in London to help others. In anger after reading the letter, Col runs away from his Aunt Claire to the old family home. But instead of finding it cold and empty, there in front of his eyes are his imaginary friends: Pendlebury the tiger, Mr. Noakes the badger and a knight called the King of Rogues. They have come from the spirit world to warn Col that Nazis aren't the only evil out there. The Midwinter King has taken over, using the vision of a terrible raid on London that leaves it burning to the ground to show that all this darkness and despair will make him the strongest he has ever been. So begins their journey to London to save Rose, fighting the forces of the Midwinter King and finding allies of their own along the way. Col is such an amazing character to follow. He is on the cusp of the so called 'age of not believing', where his childhood has been taken by the war but in the end its his imaginary friends that help him find his way. Though he doubts himself, his love and kindness really shine through as he goes on this terrifying journey This is an amazing book that captures the innocence of childhood imaginary friends with the horror of the raids on London in a perfect blend of love and high stakes.
